TFPU! Great great history writing by Ferretlegger:
"My observation was that the Jazz musicians who my father worked with (hundreds) seemed to fall into several categories. Some were superior musicians, and also good, grounded businessmen and people. They dealt with the world in an upfront and forthright manner. Another category, quite large, were like little children. Music was their lives, their passion, their sole interest, and their language. When playing a gig, practicing, or in session, they communicated through music with each other in an almost paranormal way. The sensitivity and artistry and way they seemed to read each others minds was thrilling to behold. But when the music stopped, they seemed barely able to cope with the real world. It was something that just didn't really make sense for them. Drug and alcohol abuse was very common, perhaps to dull the pain of the outside world, perhaps as a retreat from an existence totally barren and meaningless compared to their music. I have always had very mixed feelings about these musical geniuses (and some of the greatest jazz musicians in history were in this group). One the one hand, I have felt pity that their lives outside of music were so screwed up and tragic. On the other hand, I have seen closeup what a great gift taken to the limit is capable of. The soaring heights of an intense session with world class players transcends normal life."
and:
"Finally, the bad blood chemistry got the better of him (Ferretlegger's father) and he slipped into a coma. The doctors were sure that this was it. As you would expect, the entire family had gathered and we were pretty glum. Then Ken Peplowski, the great clarinetist showed up at the ICU where we had gathered. With tears streaming down his face he assembled his clarinet and began to play. He had hardly finished the first bar when my father popped right out of his "death coma", sat bolt upright in bed and hollered "KEN!!!" Ken kept playing and soon the entire ICU was filled with doctors, nurses, relatives, and even a few terminal patients were wheeled in. Ken played for a long time, and the effect on all was magical. My father had several more days of great contentment, as Ken continued to visit. Finally, though, even music was not enough and he passed along to whatever waits."
You're welcome Marlow, Michael lurks on ST, doesn't post that much, but his writings when he does (they are usually l-o-n-g) are very interesting..he great writer...and his professional background is laser physics!
He has some wonderful stories about some of his trips to Japan and helping with the artists!
I played trombone and mostly piano at the jazz club in Toronto on Thursday night for damn near four hours. Favourites we did were There Will Never Be Another You, Just Friends, and Sway. Great night!
When I was 17 I went to see the Modern Jazz Quartet at the Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City (Bellas Artes). I couldn't afford a good seat but during the intermission I bribed an usher into letting us into an empty box that was literally directly above the stage. It was a sublime evening that will stay with me forever.
You are right, Largo. Clifford Brown would have made a huge contribution.
Such an irony that he was one of the straight musicians of his era, in good health, and he dies in a car crash.
Let us know!